AG James took action to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) alarming practice of making arrests in federal immigration courthouses. In an amicus brief filed in African Communities Together v. Lyons, Attorney General James urged the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to block new federal policies that authorize widespread arrests in immigration courthouses and allow the federal government to abruptly dismiss immigrants’ cases. Attorney General James argues these policies unlawfully endanger families, undermine public safety for all New Yorkers, and threaten the integrity of the justice system.

“Courthouses are dedicated to the pursuit of justice, not targeted harassment and arrests. With these cruel and unlawful courthouse arrests, the federal government is weaponizing fear to push immigrants into the shadows, drive families apart, and risk everyone’s safety. I will not stand by while New Yorkers are stripped of their rights and our courts are used for intimidation.” – AG James